Blackheads and Large Pores

Overview | Symptoms | Causes | FAQs | Smart Tips | Professional Salon Treatments

Overview

Whether a single blemish or face full of multiple lesions, it’s all acne.

Acne can occur on the face, neck, chest, shoulders and upper back. The most common skin disorder in the United States, acne (acne vulgaris) is a chronic condition that affects all ages, every ethnicity and both sexes. Though not curable, it is highly manageable and controllable.

How does it happen?
Acne affects nearly 17 million people in the U.S., making it the most common skin disease in the country. But why does it happen? When skin is functioning optimally, the sebaceous glands produce oil that empties onto the skin’s surface. At the same time, dead skin cells are shed at a normal rate as newer, fresher cells rise to the surface. Sometimes, these dead cells shed too fast, clump together and clog the pore. This is called non-inflammatory acne. If this plug stays below the skin’s surface, it is called a “closed comedone” or whitehead. If the plug reaches the skin’s surface and is exposed to air, an “open comedone” or blackhead forms. Contrary to popular belief, the black color is not caused by dirt but rather is due to a process of oxidation.

Besides these non-inflammatory blemishes, you may also have larger, more inflamed breakouts. Inflammatory acne starts when the combination of excess skin cells and oil cause pore-aggravating bacteria to develop. This leads to pimples, redness and overall irritation.

The Murad difference
There are also a number of skin conditions that resemble acne such as, eczema, perioral dermatitis and folliculitis. While they may not involve all of the factors that cause real acne, they do have one thing in common – inflammation. The good news is that Murad Acne products address ALL of the factors of acne and skin breakouts, reducing cell build-up, excess oil and inflammation. Every product contains the three key ingredients in the Murad recipe, hydrating agents, anti-inflammatories, and antioxidants, along with specific acne-fighters, which work together to provide the best environment for achieving optimal skin health. In keeping with Murad’s inclusive health™ philosophy, the acne line also features a patented internal supplement to treat acne breakouts from the inside. So, whether you have real acne or something that just looks like acne, Murad can put you on the path to healthy, beautiful skin.

Symptoms

Non-inflammatory acne
Clogged pores (comedones), which may be:

   Blackheads (open comedones) look like
   small dark or greyish dots.

   Whiteheads (closed comedones) appear as
   small white bumps.

Inflammatory acne
Pimples (pustules), nodules, cysts, are inflamed, pus-filled pores of varying sizes. Left untreated, severe cases can cause permanent scarring.

Post-inflammatory response
After lesions heal, there may be residual red or brown spots (hyperpigmentation) that can take months to fade.

Most acne sufferers have a combination of comedones and inflamed blemishes.

Causes

Though most of the American population experiences acne at one time or another, its severity is genetically determined and hormonally influenced.

The three primary factors influencing acne are:

Hyperkeratinization
An overabundance of surface skin cells that clump together to clog the pores.

Sebum activity
Sebaceous glands influenced by androgen hormones elevate oil (sebum) production.

P-Acnes bacteria
Bacteria mix with sebum, irritating the pore wall and resulting in inflammation.

Triggers for acne breakouts

Stress
Stress can have physiological affects on the body, including stimulating a hormone that encourages the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, increasing the chances of breaking out. Besides stress, there many things that contribute to inflamed and non-inflamed acne. Such as;

Genetics
If your parents or someone in your family had acne, your risk for having acne is higher. This is due to the P. Acnes bacteria which is hereditary.

Hormones
as hormone levels in the teen years surge, the onset of acne occurs. Certain hormones trigger the sebaceous gland to produce more oil, resulting in more clogged pores. Monthly hormonal fluctuations as well as those experienced at the onset of menopause contribute to acne. Certain drugs and steroids Androgens, lithium and barbiturates are known to stimulate acne.

FAQs

Is there a difference between adolescent acne and adult acne?

Not really, it’s the same disease. In fact, an acne lesion on a teenage boy is the physiological duplicate of that on a premenstrual woman. And both are the result of overly active oil (sebaceous) glands triggered by androgen hormones.

The only real difference seems to be one of placement. In adolescents, acne is common on the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. In women, the perioral area around the mouth, chin and jaw line get the worst.

My skin is very dry. Why am I still breaking out?

One of the primary causes of acne is the combination of oil (sebum) mixing with dead skin cells. Every skin type has at least some sebum in its pores. Even in small amounts, the sebum can still mix with dead skin cells (something dry skin has to excess) to create acne.

Do I need to use a moisturizer if I have oily, acne-prone skin?

Absolutely. The most important thing to remember about moisturizer is that it is water not grease. And even oily skin needs water. In fact, when acne-prone skin gets too dehydrated, it may often produce even more oil in response.

Do rich, greasy foods cause acne?

No. But overall proper nutrition is still an important tool for the health of your skin (to say nothing of the health of your body). Drink lots of water and eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and nutrients rich in Vitamin A to help normalize the production of dead skin cells, a key factor in acne breakouts.

Are red, inflamed breakouts always acne?

No. There are many chronic or temporary conditions whose symptoms resemble acne:

• Rosacea (acne rosacea)
• Eczema
• Perioral dermatitis
• Razor bumps (folliculitis or pseudofolliculitis)

While these may not involve all of the factors that cause real acne, what they do have in common is inflammation, which is characterized by swelling, redness, heat and pain.

Persistent conditions may require professional treatment. But the good news is that Murad Acne products can help here for they address all the factors of acne and skin breakouts, by reducing cell build-up, excess oil, and inflammation.

Will Murad Acne products help the pimples on my body?

Definitely. Breakouts on the body are most common where oil glands are most pervasive; on the back, chest, and shoulders. Clarifying Body Spray is particularly helpful for treating hard to reach places.

Keeping these areas clean is important. Change your sheets and towels frequently. Wear natural fibers closest to your skin, the looser the better. If you perspire heavily, change your clothes more frequently (which may mean for men and boys, switching undershirts halfway through the day). Avoid using fragrance, cologne, perfume or astringents on inflamed areas.

Deep, cystic acne on the body however, is something that must be treated by a dermatologist.

Why do I have dark spots left over from healed blemishes?

These are called hyperpigmentation resulting from post-inflammatory response and are caused by the inflammation that assaulted the skin. Discoloration can range from red to dark brown, depending on your skin tone, and can take weeks to fade.

As a blemish heals, excess pigment is generated in the area where the trauma occurred. These superficial pigmented scars will heal faster with the help of anti-inflammatory ingredients such as zinc, black cohosh, licorice and green tea contained in Murad Acne treatments. Products high in Vitamin C are also ideal to fade unwanted pigmentation.

To prevent hyperpigmentation in the first place, use SPF 15 sun protection on exposed areas (or those covered only by sheer fabrics) and reapply throughout the day.

I just received my Acne Complex™ Kit. What is the best way to begin the regimen?

The key to success is to use the products regularly, even as your skin begins to clear. However, as with any new skincare regimen, your skin may need time to adjust.

To start, we recommend that you apply the treatment product only once a day for the first two weeks. Then, after two weeks, when your skin has acclimated to the product, begin using it twice a day.

Smart Tips

5 of the BEST things to do about acne

1. Proper daily skincare regimen with:

Exfoliants and pore cleansers (glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinol) to deep clean and slough off pore-clogging dead skin cells and debris.

Antibacterials (triclosan) to sterilize, clear up and prevent future infection.

Anti-inflammatories (licorice extract, allantoin) to diminish painful irritation and redness.

Vitamin C and other antioxidants to prevent and treat unwanted residual pigment.

2. Environmental protection from the outside: Daily use of full-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen protection to prevent hyperpigmentation and to preserve skin elasticity.

Sun exposure may temporarily mask the appearance of acne and large pores because the sun causes the skin to swell. The internal damage that occurs is much worse however, due to the collagen damage from UV rays. Once the collagen and elastic fibers in the dermis are damaged, the skin looses its elasticity and the pores look larger.

3. Murad Internal Skincare® Supplement protection from the inside: Pure Skin® Skin Clarifying Supplements are clinically proven to reduce acne breakouts by 55% in six weeks from the inside with:

Vitamin A to minimize production of excess pore-clogging skin cells.

B-complex vitamins to encourage tissue repair.

Zinc to aid cell repair and reduce inflammation.

Antioxidants such as grape seed extract, Vitamins A, C and E to neutralize aging free radical damage.

4. Conscientious hygiene: Frequent changing of pillow cases and towels, replacing makeup sponges and sterilizing makeup brushes helps prevent bacteria from flourishing.

5. Professional care: Regular facials by a qualified esthetician can help keep pores clean with careful extraction as well as AHA Rapid Exfoliator® treatments.

4 of the WORST things to do about acne

1. Drying products: Alcohol-based astringents and harsh cleansers can actually worsen acne. When dehydrated, acne-prone skin 'compensates' by producing even more oil.

2. Picking: No matter how tempting, squeezing blemishes can not only prolong the infection but cause permanent scarring.

3. Scrubbing too hard: Treating acne-inflamed skin too roughly or with scalding hot water may help spread the infection.

4. Greasy cosmetics: Acne cosmetica is the term for acne caused by oily makeups that clog the pores of the skin.

Blackheads and Large Pores

Overview

A component of non-inflammatory acne, blackheads (open comedones) are little dark spots most prevalent on the oily T-zone, nose, forehead, and chin.

Blackheads are frequently present with other acne symptoms; whiteheads (the other kind of open comedone in non-inflammatory acne) and pimples (inflammatory acne).A component of non-inflammatory acne, blackheads (open comedones) are little dark spots most prevalent on the oily T-zone, nose, forehead, and chin.

Large pores (sometimes referred to as enlarged pores) are likewise more common in the T-zone and occur most often on those with oily skin. Though not always, large pores and blackheads tend to go hand in hand.

Symptoms

Blackheads
Small greyish dots, or plugs, concentrated around the nose and T-zone though they can occur anywhere on the face, chest, neck and shoulders.

Large pores
A crater-like appearance resulting in a rougher surface texture not unlike that of an orange peel.

Causes

Cause of Blackheads

A pore is an opening for an oil (sebaceous) gland in a hair follicle. Non-inflammatory blemishes occur when dead surface skin cells mix with oil (sebum). This combination of skin cell debris and excess sebum plugs the pore. On exposure to the air, this plug darkens from oxidation and results in a blackhead.

Cause of Large Pores

Genetics
Just as they do with a tendency for acne and oily skin, genetics play a primary role in pore size. This means that while you can minimize their appearance you can’t actually shrink your pore size.

Clogged Pores
Though large pores are hereditary, they appear larger if dirt, oil and skin cells accumulate in the pore, causing it to stretch. Keeping pores clean with daily exfoliation and weekly deep cleansing treatments will help to smooth skin texture minimizing the appearance of pore size.

Aging
Pores become larger as we age, especially around the nose, due to a lifetime of sun exposure and environmental damage that reduces overall skin tone and elasticity.

FAQs

Are the blackheads on my face caused by dirt?

No. The discoloration is a result of oxidation. Picture an apple. When it is cut and exposed to the air (which contains oxygen), the cut fruit turns brown because of oxidation. Blackheads are formed the same way. As sebum and skin cells collect in a pore, open to the air, they oxidize and consequently darken.

Do blackheads cause scarring?

Not by themselves, but if you pick at them, yes they can. Inflammatory acne carries the most potential for scarring but rough handling of non-inflammatory blackheads can likewise leave permanent damage.

Can I shrink my pore size by rinsing with cold water or rubbing my face with ice?

No. Contrary to popular myth, pores do not open and close. Blackheads may stretch pores, giving them an ‘open’ appearance, but they are the size they are, end of story. However, the good news is that with proper cleansing and treatment, you can minimize the appearance of large pores and refine the skin’s surface texture by keeping it free of blackheads and excess oil.

Smart Tips

5 of the BEST things to do about blackheads and large pores

1. Proper daily skincare regimen with:

Exfoliants and pore cleansers (glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinol) to deep clean and slough off pore-clogging dead skin cells and debris.

Antibacterials (triclosan) to sterilize, clear up and prevent future infection.

Anti-inflammatories (licorice extract, allantoin) to diminish painful irritation and redness.

Vitamin C and other antioxidants to prevent and treat unwanted residual pigment.

2. Environmental protection from the outside: Daily use of full-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen protection to prevent hyperpigmentation and to preserve skin elasticity.

Sun exposure may temporarily mask the appearance of acne and large pores because the sun causes the skin to swell. The internal damage that occurs is much worse however, due to the collagen damage from UV rays. Once the collagen and elastic fibers in the dermis are damaged, the skin looses its elasticity and the pores look larger.

3. Murad Internal Skincare® Supplement protection from the inside: Pure Skin® Skin Clarifying Supplements are clinically proven to reduce acne breakouts by 55% in six weeks from the inside with:

Vitamin A to minimize production of excess pore-clogging skin cells.

B-complex vitamins to encourage tissue repair.

Zinc to aid cell repair and reduce inflammation.

Antioxidants such as grape seed extract, Vitamins A, C and E to neutralize aging free radical damage.

4. Conscientious hygiene: Frequent changing of pillow cases and towels, replacing makeup sponges and sterilizing makeup brushes helps prevent bacteria from flourishing.

5. Professional care: Regular facials by a qualified esthetician can help keep pores clean with careful extraction as well as AHA Rapid Exfoliator® treatments.

4 of the WORST things to do about blackheads and large pores

1. Drying products: Alcohol-based astringents and harsh cleansers can actually worsen acne. When dehydrated, acne-prone skin 'compensates' by producing even more oil.

2. Picking: No matter how tempting, squeezing blemishes can not only prolong the infection but cause permanent scarring.

3. Scrubbing too hard: Treating acne-inflamed skin too roughly or with scalding hot water may help spread the infection.

4. Greasy cosmetics: Acne cosmetica is the term for acne caused by oily makeups that clog the pores of the skin.

Professional Salon Treatments

For acne, esthetics treatments can help cleanse, calm, and accelerate the healing process. These include:


Intensive AHA exfoliation
Glycolic acid treatments - such as Murad AHA Rapid Exfoliator® - to clear dead skin cells, refine uneven texture, color and tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Intensive enzyme exfoliation
Fruit enzyme treatments from papaya and pineapple – such as Murad Professional Clarifying Enzyme Treatment - to dissolve excess skin cells, super clean pores and expose newer, fresher skin thereby enhancing the penetration of therapeutic topicals.

Deep cleansing facials
Utilizing steam, massage, mild extractions, and mask to cleanse and disinfect thoroughly without damaging or dehydrating the skin.

Mild extractions
Gentle pressure, expertly applied for the safe removal of blackheads and smaller pimples.

Microdermabrasion
Mechanical exfoliation to smooth texture and pigment. Best results come from repeated treatments a few weeks apart. This is not recommended for active, inflammatory acne, but rather a good way to clear its aftermath of hyperpigmentation and to keep the skin free of pore-clogging cellular debris.

Time to consult a dermatologist
Cases of cystic acne in a never-ending cycle of infection (and with the greatest potential for permanent scarring) warrant medical attention from a dermatologist for:

Diagnosis
There may be another skin problem, a systemic disorder or a need for more aggressive treatment.

Deeper extractions

Intra-lesional injection
A small shot of cortisone clears inflammation and newly- formed scars almost immediately.

Prescription medication
Topical (Retin-A, antibiotic creams, etc.) or oral treatments (antibiotics, drugs such as Acutane etc.) depending on the case’s severity.

Chemical peels
To smooth scars.

Laser resurfacing
To smooth scars.

New developments
Promising new breakthroughs for acne sufferers are in the pipeline.